Puja Khedkar Controversy: Pune Police Likely to Close Case Against Pune Collector Suhas Diwase Soon

According to Hindustan Times, Pune police are expected to conclude their inquiry into the allegations of sexual harassment against Pune Collector Suhas Diwase, made by former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar. Khedkar had accused Diwase of highhanded and entitled behaviour following her transfer from Pune to Washim last month.

Upon her transfer to Washim, Khedkar provided a written statement to the Washim police, detailing the alleged misbehaviour by Diwase during her tenure at the Pune collectorate. These documents were subsequently forwarded to the Commissioner of Police, Pune.

Photo Credit: PTI

On Friday, Pune Commissioner Amitesh Kumar stated, "We have served her many notices to appear at the commissionerate, but she never turned up. So now we assume she has nothing to say; we will see what's to be done next."

Senior IAS officers familiar with the case indicated that it will likely be closed soon. Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik remarked in Hindustan Times, "The preliminary inquiry is being conducted by Pune police, and it should end there."

Collector Diwase has denied all allegations against him, emphasizing that senior officers have supported him throughout the inquiry.

Khedkar first drew attention when she entered the Pune collectorate as a trainee IAS officer in her Audi, bearing a Maharashtra government insignia and a red beacon. She also demanded an ante-chamber for her work. Following her transfer to Washim, she visited Mantralaya to meet Saunik, entering her office unannounced and being subsequently turned away.